# Spike Recorder

> Record and analyze neural signals for hands-on neuroscience education. (iPhone/iPad app by Backyard Brains.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spike-recorder/id367151200 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Backyard Brains](https://appshunter.io/developer/367151203)
- Category: Education, Productivity
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.40/5 from 17 App Store ratings · 13 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.2 · 23 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-05-11
- Data updated: 2026-07-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spike-recorder/id367151200/reviews.md

## What is Spike Recorder?

Let’s face it. The brain is complex, but it is extremely fascinating.  To study the brain, you typically have to be a graduate student at a major university. But not any more! Backyard Brains enables everyone to be a neuroscientist! 

Coupled with our SpikerBox you can order at: http://backyardbrains.com this app allows you to view, hear, record and analyze actual neural signals.  Both from individual neurons and muscles.

Backyard Brains provides affordable neuroscience experiment kits for students of all ages to learn (hands-on) about electrophysiology. Now everyone from schoolchildren to grad students and every grade in between can experiment with similar tools used by real neuroscientists worldwide! By following a few simple steps, everyone can experience first-hand how the brain communicates with our senses, memories, hopes, and desires.

Our iOS application includes both long continuous and threshold views, and once you have recorded your data, you can analyze the neural spike trains, measure reaction times, and calculate statistics just like professional neuroscientists!  Do let us know us know about your experiments. 

Note: The application normally picks up input through the the iPhone's built-in microphone. If you want to plug directly into your SpikerBox, or any audio device, you need a custom male-to-male headphone cable (a normal one won't work), available from our website. It has to do with routing and filtering an output channel to an input channel.

## Key features

- View neural signals
- Hear neural signals
- Record neural data
- Analyze neural spike trains
- Measure reaction times
- Calculate neuroscience statistics

## Recent user reviews (10 of 13)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spike-recorder/id367151200/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Cool Idea, Awful App

*2021-10-07, version 2.9.11*

The app is really just not great. It has frequent glitches, and often fails to hold data points.

### 1/5 — need settings for ios and Chromebook!

*2021-02-27, version 2.9.11*

i am using this app for a project i'm doing but it only shows the recording button on IOS and i the spiker box does not have a plug in for the newer IOS versions that do not have a headphone plug in  i then tried getting the app on Chromebook and it only showed the recording button the only solution was looking for my old android phone which has all the options and setting and recording so i guess this app only works for android phones. PLEASE WORK ON YOUR APP i spent hours trying to figure something out terrible and stressful experience and please add a ios plug in for the newer versions that do not have a headphone plug in thank you...

### 1/5 — Problems with the analysis

*2019-10-02, version 2.9.11*

I used to love the app, however, lately I had been having a lot problems with app specially when I want to do the analysis.

### 3/5 — Website discrepancy?

*2019-08-13, version 2.9.11*

Hi! To whom this may concern, my professor and I were hoping to do an experiment as outlined on the Backyard Brains Experiments website, which uses grasshoppers and this app to create a fixation cross/dot etc. etc. you can find the outline via their website. However, the “experiments” tab as shown the website is not present in the app. We were hoping to find out why this “experiments” function is missing, and whether it might be implemented/added back in so that we may perform this experiment! 

Thanks,

-Joon

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2017-02-17, version 2.9.2*

This interface is incredible and we are using the Backyard Brains Spikerboxes in a kinesiology lab for visual feedback on neural stimulation. So very cool!

### 5/5 — Dr. Mark Doyle

*2013-11-14, version 2.0*

This little gizmo is not only an excellent teaching tool, but it is an inexpensive device that can convert your iPad into a very useful oscilloscope!    Thank you folks very much for your efforts to bring hands on complicated education to a younger audience whose brains can handle it. You are spot on! 
Peace,
Mark

### 1/5 — Animal cruelty

*2013-11-09*

The company that made this app encourages animal experimentation in the home environment. 
It is a crass and callous invitation for people to experiment on living creatures. 
This should not be in the App Store... let alone considering legal (illegal) ramifications!

### 5/5 — Backyard Brains- Stimulating!

*2013-08-16, version 1.8.1*

Unbelievable science at your fingertips!

### 5/5 — Cool!

*2013-03-28, version 1.8.1*

Very, very cool App!
Just wish they update it for the new DropBox API...
Congrats!

### 5/5 — ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

*2011-12-05, version 1.8.0*

Neuroscience on your iPhone! Nothing better!

## Frequently asked questions about Spike Recorder

### What is Spike Recorder?

Spike Recorder is an educational application designed to help users learn about neuroscience by viewing, hearing, recording, and analyzing neural signals from neurons and muscles. It's intended for hands-on learning about electrophysiology.

### How does Spike Recorder work?

The application typically picks up input through the iPhone's built-in microphone. For direct connection to hardware like the SpikerBox, a custom male-to-male headphone cable is required, available from the developer's website.

### What kind of analysis can I do with Spike Recorder?

With Spike Recorder, you can analyze neural spike trains, measure reaction times, and calculate statistics, similar to tools used by professional neuroscientists.

### Is Spike Recorder suitable for all ages?

Yes, Spike Recorder provides affordable neuroscience experiment kits for students of all ages, from schoolchildren to graduate students, enabling hands-on learning.

### What devices does Spike Recorder support?

Spike Recorder is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.

### How often is Spike Recorder updated?

The latest version of Spike Recorder is 3.0.5, and it was last updated on January 2, 2025. This indicates regular updates to improve functionality and compatibility.

### What is the user rating for Spike Recorder?

Spike Recorder has a rating of 3.4 stars based on 17 ratings. This suggests a generally positive but mixed user reception.

### Does Spike Recorder have ads?

No, Spike Recorder does not contain advertisements. It is a free application without any ad interruptions.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.0.5 — 2025-01-02

New UI better works with dark mode.

### 3.0.4 — 2024-12-19

Bugs fixed regarding sharing of files on iPad

### 3.0.3 — 2023-01-26

Bug fixes regarding P300 button

### 3.0.2 — 2023-01-12

Bug fixes for multichannel FFT analysis

### 3.0.1 — 2023-01-08

Several bugs fixed related to display of event markers.
Files are again saved in audio format.

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## More apps by Backyard Brains

- [BYB Remote](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/byb-remote/id792968848)
- [TMR Memory Test](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tmr-memory-test/id1467896935)

All apps by Backyard Brains: https://appshunter.io/developer/367151203

## Related topics

[spikerbox](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/spikerbox) · [spiker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/spiker)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-29.*
